What to Know About “Male Menopause” and Testosterone Replacement Medications

There surely has been a lot of talk in both the media and medical journals lately about American men and our testosterone–or our perceived lack of it. Testosterone is the male hormone produced in the testicles, regulated by glands in our brains, that determines many of a male’s sexual characteristics.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), physicians are prescribing testosterone-replacement drugs for men who suffer symptoms ranging from a diminished sex drive, to depression and fatigue. The only way to accurately diagnose if a man has low testosterone (low T) is by administering a series of blood tests.

This condition is now commonly called “Male Menopause,” or more specifically androgen deficiency in the aging male (ADAM). If the blood test reflects this condition, low T drugs are available in a wide variety of forms, ranging from a gel, patch, or injection, to a tablet that is applied to the gums.

It is unclear why some men suffer from this condition. Some believe that it is congenital or stems from exposure to certain toxins. The evidence is clear that men who are diabetics (type 2) or who have abnormal cholesterol levels and/or HIV/AIDS are more likely to have low T.

Of course, like any drug, low testosterone therapy treatments have some risks. The most common short-term risks include prostate cancer, heart disease, blood clots, and shrunken testicles. The long-term effects are not yet clear. Last month the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it was investigating the long-term effects of testosterone therapy after two separate studies reported an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and death in men taking FDA-approved testosterone products.

As of today, there have been no FDA recalls of low T medications. Patients taking testosterone replacement medications are urged not to stop taking the drugs, but rather to consult with their prescribing physicians about the risks and benefits of long-term use.

Our Florida lawyers for low T claims have been helping people who have been harmed by drug manufacturers that put their profit over the safety of patients. If you are taking a Low T drug, you may have a claim for compensation. We proudly provide free initial no-fee/no-cost consultations via SKYPE, email me or Toll-Free at 1-866-597-4529. Call us today.